Filling element for counterpressure filling machines

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a filling element for the filling of vessels with liquid, while employing a gas under pressure during the filling operation. The filling element has a body and has gas and liquid passages extending therethrough from a chamber containing the liquid and gas to a filling head. The filling head is arranged for sealingly engaging the opening in the vessel to be filled. Two concentric conduits on the body extend into the filling opening of the vessel and form therebetween an annular space which is part of the liquid passage while forming an annular space with the filling head which is a part of the gas passage. Valves control the gas and liquid passages and a filler element extending axially through the filler element and on the axis of the inner one of said conduits is arranged to detect the liquid level in the vessel and to control the valves in conformity therewith. An exhaust passage extends from the space on the inner side of the conduit to the gas passage and then to the outside of the filling element and is under the control of an exhaust valve.

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body and has gas and liquid passages extending therethrough [54] FILLING ELEMENT FOR COUNT 8 m m o me fim a8 o.m tg 5a a 8m e MIN 8 Mm l Ma S er mm mm .m mm m wk w e mb 8 h m me mh fT E R U S S E R P R E FILLING MACHINES annular space which is part of the liquid ming an annular space with the filling head f the gas passage. Valves contr es and a filler element extendin ol the gas and g axially through liquid passag the filler ele duits is arra [50] Field of 141/4-7, men! and on the axis of the inner one ofsaid 01 nged to detect the liquid level in the vessel and to valves in conformity therewith. An exhaust ds from the space on the inner side of the conduit to the gas passage and then to the 0 340/236; 137/392 control the utside of the filling elepassage exten [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1962 P1ock et ment and is under the control of an exhaust valve.

2 .1 g ietmimdu I'd PATENTEU .mu 1 1972 31633335 SHEETZUFS n5 I I 26 Fig.2

PATENTEU JAN] 1 E172 SHEET 3 [IF 5 Fig. h

Inventor false/- FILLINGELEMENT FOR COUNTERPRESSURE FILLING MACHINES The present invention relates to filling elements for counterpressure filling machines of the one-chamber or multichamber system with-a filling pipe which extends into the pressed-on vessel to be filled and to be shipped and with a control device which initiates the closing impulse-for the liquid valve, the closing device being adapted to be controlled by the liquid level which rises in the interior of the vessel to a predetermined height.

Instead of the heretofore known mechanical devices for automatically closing the liquid valves customary in filling elements after the respective liquid has completely been filled-in into the pressed-on vessel to be shipped, such as bottles, cans, or the like, also magnetically or pneumatically operable control devices have been employed. For purposes of closing the liquid-valves, thelatter receive the control impulse from a control device which is introduced into the pressed-on vessel and is controlled by the liquid level rising in the interior of the vessel to thepredetermined height. It is also knownto introduce into a vessel, which is open during the filling operation, a pipe connection which is associated with the control device, the control device'being located outside the path of the liquid.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the abovementioned filling elements, particularly with regard to a safe and trouble-free operation and a precise and uniform filling of the vessel to be shipped.

In an effort to realize the above-mentioned object, the present invention takes into consideration that it will be necessary to see to it that the liquid conveyed through the filling pipe to the vessel'to be filled will, during the filling operation proper, be kept away from the control device or from the pipe connection of the control device which pipe connection leads into the vessel, in order to prevent a premature initiation of the closing impulse for the liquid control valve. On the other hand it will be necessary that the liquid which rises in the vessel will at least within the range of the control device or the pipe connection be quieted down so that the control device and pipe connection will be influenced only by the rising liquid level while the surface ofthe liquid is as calm as possible.

These requirements have been met according to the present invention by the fact that the control device or the pipe connection associated therewith is coaxially arranged in the filling pipe and, while an annular gap is maintained, is surrounded by a riser which in itsturn with a further annular gap extends between the adjacent pipe walls in the interior of the filling pipe and above the pressed-on area of the vessel has at least one conduit adapted to be connected to the return path of the gas. Starting with this advantageous solution, the present invention furthermore comprises advantageous designs of the riser and also comprises a combination of the riser with important parts of a filling element and additionally concerns the design of the filling element.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in connection with a filling element for onechamber counterpressure filling machines having a long filling pipe and a control device which is adapted electrically to be controlled by the filling material in the manner of a probe adapted to be introduced into the vessel, and in connection with a filling element of the same type but with a pneumatically operable control device and a connecting line adapted to be introduced into the vessel. More specifically:

FIG. I illustrates a section-through a filling element according to the invention with an electric control device.

FIG. Zis a section taken along the line 11-" of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 represents a section taken along the line llllll of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 represents an adjusting device for the control device associated with a plurality of elements.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of the filling element according to the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a further detail of the filling element according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a sectionthrough a -filling element according to the invention with a pneumatic control device.

Of a rotating one-chamber counter'pressirrefilling machine equipped with a plurality of filling elements according tofthe invention, the drawing shows only thoseparts which are-essential for the understanding of the present invention. The arrangement shown in FIGS. land 7 comprises a vessel or container 10 for liquid and tension gas and alsocornprises a vessel supporting table 11. The circumference of the table 11 is provided with a plurality of lifting members 12 with dish-shaped surfaces 13 for placing the vessels thereon. Each lifting member 12 has oppositely arranged thereto a filling device 15 which is flanged to a filling container l0, which filling device 15 is by means of separate gas and liquidp'assage mea'nsl6 and 17 respectively connected to corresponding outletsof the liquid container '10 in a gastight and liquidtight manner respectively. The gas inlet passage means l6-is designed in the manner of a plug connection to be plugged intothe container outlet.

At that end of the filling device or housing 15 of the filling element which is adjacent to the vessel to be fill'ed'there is provided a valve seat 18 having an opening 19. Adjacent thereto there is provided a liquid distrib'utorf20 and a filling pipe2l. The distributor '20 and the filling pipe 21 expediently form a single structural unit and are detachable connectedto the valve seat 18 on the housing'l5. while 'asealing ring 22 is'interposed. The detachable connection "23 includes a fitting 24 which extends around the liquid distributor 20 and the upper portion of the filling pipe "20. The inside diameter selected for the fitting 24 leaves an annular gap 25 between the wall of the fitting 24, the wall of the oppositely located distributor '20 and the filling pipe 21.

The distributor '20 connected to the filling pipe 21 has, as shown in FIG. 2, two liquid-passages 27 and 28 which are separated from each other by a web 26 and furthermore, below the web 26, has a funnelshaped chamberv 29 (FIG. 1). Liquid feeding passages 27, 28 (FIG; 2) lead into' the chamber 29. The narrower end of chamber '29 has'connected thereto the filling pipe 21. Furthermore, a riser'30 isarranged onthe distributor 20. This riser 30 passes throughthe chamber 29 and while maintaining a furtherannular gap'55 extends tothe adjacent filling pipe wall coaxially in'the filling pipe 21 and is flush with the lower end thereof.

In alignment with the riser 30, the distributor 20 carries on that side thereof which is located opposite'to the filling pipe 21 on web 26 a tension gas pipe 31. By means of inclined bores 32 within the distributor 20,the pipe'3l communicates with the annular gap 25, said gap is by means of a seal 33 within the range of the bores 32 closed relative'to the liquid path 19 above the distributor 20. The annular gap 25 communicates with the riser 30 through a further bore 34in-thedistributor 20. Bore 34 expediently extends horizontally and leads into the wall of the riser 30 above the widening portion 29 of the filling pipe.

Adjacent the fitting 24'there is provided an intermediate member 35 and a centering member 37 provided with the pressing seal 36. The intermediate-member 35 as.well as the centering member 37 surround the filling pipe 21 in spaced relationship thereto so as'to form an annular gap 38 and 139 and by any standard holding means are connected ,to 'the fitting 24. Mounted on the fitting 24 is furthermore a control device 40 which extends into the range-of the intermediate member 35 and expediently may be an approximation switch. The bottom side of the fitting 24 and intermediate member35 which is directed'toward the vessel each carries a sealing ring 53 and 54 respectively.

As will be seen in particular from FIG. 2, the fitting 24'h'as an extension 41 for receiving a magnetic valve' 42. The valve body 45 which is longitudinally movablein a chamber 43 and is biased by a spring 44 is arranged opposite a bore 47 provided with a seat 46, said bore leading from chamber 43 into the annular gap 25. Expediently, bore 47 is located in the same plane as bore 34 which leads from the riser 30 into the annular gap 25. The chamber 43 communicates with the atmosphere through a coaxial bore 48 in the valve body 45 with an exit 49 to the chamber 43 and a bore 50 provided in the valve housing 42 and leading into the atmosphere.

A portion of the bore 50 is expediently designed as a throttle 51. A connection or nipple 52 at the exit of the conduit 49, 48, 50 serves for connection with a hose to discharge liquid particles which have been carried away during the relief operation.

A valve body 60 which together with the valve seat 18 forms the liquid valve 18, 60 extends vertically in the housing and is provided with a seal 61. Valve body 60 is at its upper end which is located opposite to the seat widened so as to form a collar 62 by means of which it is guided in the interior of the housing 15 and rests against a spring 63 which in turn rests against a member 64. An extension 65 which is provided at the upper end of the collar 62 and which has arranged opposite thereto a seal 66 provided in the housing 15, forms a further supporting member for the valve body 60. Below the extension 65, the collar 62 is additionally provided with a construction 67. This constriction is within the range of the seal 66. conical and tapers in downward direction. Coaxially arranged in the collar 62 is a pot-shaped recess 68 with a larger diameter. The plane bottom surface of the recess 68 supports a valve seat 69. The valve body 60 itself extends through a bore 70 which leads into the recess 68 and is coaxial therewith. The inner diameter of bore 70 is so dimensioned that between the tension gas pipe 32 and the adjacent wall of the valve body 60 there is formed an annular gap. A protrusion 71 provided where the bore 70 leads into the recess 68 of collar 62 narrows at the area of the annular gap which extends over the entire length of the bore 70.

A further approximation switch 72 is connected to the housing 15 and extends into the path of the extension 65 which path is limited by an abutment 89. Furthermore, a valve body 73 in the form of a tubular member is arranged in the housing 15. The valve body 73 together with the pertaining seat 69 in the recess 68 of collar 62 forms the tension gas valve 69, 73, said seat 69 being supported by the valve body 60 of the liquid valve 18, 60. The upper end of valve body 73 carries a piston 74 which is longitudinally movable in a chamber 77 of a magnetic valve 78, said chamber 77 being provided with inlet openings 75 and 76.

A threaded sleeve 80 provided with opposite located longitudinal slots 81 is by means of a crown nut 79 connected to that end of piston 74 which protrudes from the chamber 77, while a seal 82 is interposed. Threadedly mounted on sleeve 80 is control wheel 83 which has an inner recess 84 in the manner of an annular groove. The width of the recess 84 is adapted to the diameter of a bolt 85 which in its turn is adapted to be plugged or slipped onto an extension at the upper end of a shaft 86, the bolt 85 being fastened by means of a nut 87. The bolt 85 extends beyond the sleeve slots 81 and has both ends extending into the recess 84, the opposite plane annular surface of which being engaged by the bolt ends (FIG. 3). For introducing the bolt 85 into the annular chamber 84, the control body 83 is provided with a bore 88.

The shaft 86 extends coaxially through the sleeve 80, the piston 74, the valve body 73 of the tension gas valve 69, 73 and the tension gas pipe 32. Shaft 86 subsequently extends through the distributor 20 into the riser 30 and has its lower end which is provided with an insulation 91 equipped with a control device 90 between which and the adjacent riser pipe wall 90 there is provided a further annular gap 56. The control device 90 advantageously comprises an electric feeler which is adapted to be actuated by the filling medium and which together with associated electric control means connected to the connection 92 and with the shaft 86 forms a so-called probe. The control means of the feeler 90 which are not illustrated in detail are combined with the control means for the magnetic valves 42 and 78 so as to form a structural unit in the manner of a control card 93 (Steckkarte).. This card is expediently exchangeably connected to the filling container 10.

The control rod 83 of the probe 86, 90 may form a handwheel if each filling element 15 has its filling height adjusted manually. Instead of the thus obtained individual adjustment of the filling elements 15, the present invention also .permits the common adjustment of the probes 86, 90 of all filling elements. in this instance, the control rod 83 respectively associated with a filling element 15. is formed by a pinion which is coupled in the above referred to manner to the probe 86, 90.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the pinion 83 meshes with the inner teeth 95 of a hollow wheel 94 which'expediently is in the shape of a hood and covers up the wheel 83a together with the coupling connection 84, of the probe 86, 90. Wheel 94 has its circumference provided with further teeth 96 which mesh with a gear ring 98 driven by a common drive 97, said gear ring 98 surrounding the gears 94 of all filling elements 15 in the manner of an arc and meshing with the same. Supporting and guiding means 99 for the gear ring 98 are mounted on the filling container 10.

The operation of a rotating filling machine equipped with the above-mentioned filling elements is as follows: When the probes 86, of all filling elements 10 are adjusted individually by hand by means of the control wheel 83 or are adjusted in common by means of the drive 97, 98 for the required filling height in the respective vessels, these vessels will, after the machine has been turned-on by means of a customary feeding tumstile, move onto the lifting members 12. In the course of the upward movement of the lifting members 12, when viewing an individual filling element 10, first the vessel is centered by the centering member 37 while the filling pipe 21, the riser 30 and the probe 86, 90 are introduced into the interior of the vessel. During the further-upward movement of the vessel, the centering member 37 lifts the intermediate member 35 and together with the latter will eventually engage the filling pipe fitting 24. in this position, the vessel is pressed against the rubber 36 of the centering member 37. At the same time, the annular gaps 25, 38 and 39 form a passage which communicates with the interior of the vessel and which is closed toward the outside by seals 53 and 54.

The switch 40 which is controlled by the intermediate member 36 during the upward movement of the vessel will through control means of the card 93 energize the magnetic valve 78 which opens the inlet 75 to permit the liquid medium to enter the chamber 77 With the beginning of the upward movement of the piston 74, the valve body 73 is lifted off the seat 69 so that tension gas will flow into the pressed-on vessel from the filling container 10 through conduit 16, the opened tension gas valve 69, 73, the gas pipe 31, the bores 32 and'the annular passage 25, 38, 39. Tension gas furthermore passes through bore 34 and riser 31 into the vessel while liquid residues which may stick to the probe 86, 90 will be blown off.

When approximately equilibrium has been established between the tension gas pressure in the pressed-on vessel and in the filling container 10, the spring 63 opens the liquid con trol valve 18, 60. The valve body 60 which has been moved upwardly will by means of its extension 65 engage the abutment 89 while the tension gas valve 69, 73 further remains open. In the course of the upward movement of the valve body 60, its extension 65 also controls the approximation switch 72 which brings about the movement of the probe 86, 90 into position of readiness by control means of the card 93. Through the opened liquid control valve 18, 60, and without affecting the probe 86, 90, the filling medium passes through the opening 19 and the guiding means 27 and 28 of the liquid distributor 20 and enters the vessel. The tension gas displaced in this way returns through the annular passage 25, 28, 39, the bores 32, the pipe 31, the opened valve 69, 73, the recess 68 and the conduit 60 into the gas chamber of the filling container 10. Also the tension gas in the riser 30 escapes through bore 34 into the annular passage 35, 38, 39 and through the tension gas path 32, 31, the open valve 69, 73 and the passage 68, 16 into the filling container 10.

When the liquid level which rises in the riser 30 with calmed down surface reaches the feeler 90, the latter will influence the control means of the card 93 which control means are associated with the magnetic valve 78. The magnetic valve 78 which has again been actuated, blocks the flow of the liquid to the inlet 75 and connects the latter to the atmosphere. Piston 74 which is acted upon by the liquid in view of the simultaneously opened inlet 76, moves the valve body 73 onto the seat 69 and subsequently also moves the valve body 60 back to the seat 18 so that the tension gas valve 69, 73 and the liquid control valve 18, 60 are closed. The magnetic valve 42 which, after an adjusted or set time has expired, is energized and opens the bore 47 which communicates with the annular passage 25, 38, 39 and the riser 30 in view of the change in the position of its valve body 45. As a result thereof, the gas chambers communicating with the pressed-on vessel will through the gas passage 43, 49, 48, 50 and 51 drop the gas pressure to atmospheric pressure. During the subsequent removal or withdrawal of the vessel from the filling element by lowering the lifting element 12, the centering member 37 and the intermediate member 35 will again occupy their starting position. in this connection, the intermediate member 35 moves out of the range of the approximation switch 40 which by control means of the card 93 places the magnetic valve 42 into the currentless position. In view of the effect of spring 44, the valve body 45 thereof will close the bore 47.

if, for instance, in a damaged vessel no tension gas pressure builds up which equals the liquid pressure, the extension 65 will not move into the range of the approximation switch 72. The control impulse previously released by the approximation switch 40 will within predetermined time be cleared and the magnetic valve 78 will be deenergized. The liquid medium which acts upon the piston 74 through the inlet 76 will move the piston 74 back to its starting position while the tension gas valve 69, 73 will be closed.

When employing the filling element according to the invention for a filling method with separate tension gas and return gas passage means and with a discharge of the return gas into a chamber separated from the filling container or into the atmosphere, the magnetic valve 42 will perform the function of a return gas valve. in this last-mentioned design, the magnetic valve 42 is, as shown in FIG. 5, additionally provided with a relief bore 100 which branches off from bore 47 and leads into the atmosphere, the bore 100 being provided with a throttling area 101. The operation of a filling element equipped with a return gas valve of the type just mentioned, in which the abutment 89 is omitted, is as follows and is similar to the operation described above. After the vessel has been pressed-on, the valve body 60 which has been lifted by the thrust of spring 63 and which pertains to the liquid valve 18, 60 will engage the valve seat 69 at the valve body 73 still occupying its opening position, and the tension gas valve 69, 73 will close. The approximation switch 72 which is influenced by the extension 65 of the upwardly moving valve body 6 simultaneously with the probe 86, 90 will through an adjustable delaying member close the circuit of the magnetic valve 72. The tension gas which escapes after the circulation of the liquid from the pressed-on vessel has started, will first pass through the annular passage 39, 38, 25, the bore 47, the throttling area 101 and the bore 100 into the atmosphere so that a careful inflow of the liquid takes place. After the delaying period has expired, approximately up to the rise of the filling liquid to the intersection with the'filling pipe, the valve body 45 relieves the bore 47. The tension gas now flows through chamber 43, conduits 49, 48, 50, 51 and 52 into the atmosphere or into the separate return gas chamber. After a preselected opening period selected for the magnetic valve 42, during which period the valve 42 remains energized, approximately until the filling liquid enters the narrowed vessel neck but prior to reaching the probe feeler 90, the valve body 47 will, in view of the thrust of spring 44 close the bore 47. Up to the time when the filling is completed, the returned tension gas will again through bores 101; 100, through which also the relief of the gas chambers is effected, escape in a throttled condition into the atmosphere.

A simplified return gas valve for withdrawing the tension gas into the atmosphere or into a separate chamber is shown in FIG. 6. According to FIG. 6, the magnetic valve 42 is replaced by a throttle 102 which is adapted to-be screwed into the housing extension 24 while the tension gas will during theentire filling operation escape through bore 103 ofthrottle 102, and subsequently the relief will be effected through said bore.

According to a further embodiment of afilling element according to the invention as shown in FIG. 7, instead of the electric contact member at the end of the vessel near the shaft 86, there is provided a pneumatic switch 105. The switch 105 is arranged at the upper end of the shaft 86a which protrudes from the filling element 15 and for which a tubular cross section has been selected. The switch 105 primarily comprises a diaphragm 106 equipped with a contact 107 and inserted horizontally into the switch housing 105. The diaphragm 106 separates the interior of the housing into an upper and a lower pressure chamber 108 and 109 respectively. The hollow shaft leads into the lower chamber 109. The upper chamber 108 communicates through a conduit 110 which extends laterally through the piston'74 with the interior of the valve body 73 of the tension gas valve 69, 73. A contact 111 extends into the chamber 108 connected through line 92 to the control means of card 93. The diaphragm contact 107 is arranged opposite to the contact 111 in slightly spaced relationship thereto.

This filling element which as far as construction is concerned corresponds to the element of FIG. 1 and for adjusting the hollow shaft selectively as to height, likewise comprisesa hand wheel corresponding to the hand wheel 83 or a pinion 83a meshing with the driving device 97, 98, 96, therefore operates as follows: When pretensioning a vessel pressed against the member 37 tensioning gas will, through the valve 69, 73, open by magnetic valve 78, and through conduit 1'10 flow into the chamber 108 above the diaphragm 106. Simultaneously, tensioning gas from the vessel passes through the shaft 86a into the chamber 109 below the diaphragm 106. In view of the fact that the same pressure prevails at both sides of the diaphragm 106, the two contacts 107 and 1 10 remain contactless.

With the progressing filling operation which, following the pretensioning of the vessel, occurs in the manner described above and during the start of which the switch 105 is, by means of the approximation switch 72, energized by the upwardly moving valve body 60 placed into readiness, the liquid rises in the vessel and also in the riser 30 and through a predetermined passage enters that end of the shaft 86a which is adjacent to the vessel. This path is adapted to the respectively desired filling height in the vessel and is furthermore so dimensioned and adapted to the sensitivity of the diaphragm 106 that the latter will, under the influence of the gas column in shaft 86a and chamber 109, which gas column is slightly compressed in view of the entered liquid, bring about a change in the position in the direction of the contact 111 so that contact 111 engages the contact 107. Thus, in view of the pressure difference between the gas chamber 108 and 109 at both sides of the diaphragm 106, a contact is established which, through the control mans of the card 93, causes actuation ,of the magnetic valve 78 which in conformity with the description of FIG. 1, closes the tension gas and fluid valve 66, 73 and 18, 60 and subsequently causes the further functions described above to occur.

The increasing differential pressure which occurs ,duringthe rise of the filling material within the range of that shaft end 86a which is adjacent the vessel, in view of the compression of the gas column below the switch diaphragm 106, is relatively low but in each instance is sufficient to actuate the switch 104 for the same liquid level in the vessels to be filled, particularly since the hollow shaft 860 is selectively adjustable as to height in conformity with the characteristics of the diaphragm 106. Also,in this instance, the riser 30 is employed advantageously. lt likewise extends around the vessel-near opening of the hollow shaft 86a in spaced relationship thereto as to define therewith an annular gap 56 and, above all, will assure the uniform compression of the gas column necessary for the control movement of the diaphragm 106, by a quiet rising of the filling material in the interior of the shaft 860.

It is, of course, to be understood that the present invention is, by no means, limited to the particular showing in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the invention is also applicable in connection with switches operable by a float, or the like.

What is claimed is:

1. in a filling element for a counterpressure filling machine: a body, chamber means associated with said body and containing gas under pressure and liquid, a filling head on the lower end of said body adapted for sealing engagement with the filling opening of a vessel to be filled, separate gas and liquid channels in said body leading from said chamber means through said head for the supply of gas and liquid respectively to said vessel, liquid and gas valves in the body controlling said passages, and control means sensitive to the liquid level in said vessel for controlling the operation of said liquid and gas valves, said control means comprising a rodlike element extending axially through said body and having a lower end adapted to be introduced into said vessel when the vessel sealingly engages said filling head, a first conduit portion surrounding said rodlike element and forming therewith a first annular space which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, a second conduit portion surrounding said first conduit portion in spaced relation thereto and forming a second annular space therewith, said first and second conduit portions having ends adapted to be inserted into said opening in said vessel, an exhaust passage leading from said first annular space above the level of the said opening in said vessel to a region of low pressure, an exhaust valve controlling said exhaust passage, said liquid passage including said second annular space, said second conduit portion defining a third annular space with said filling head and said gas passage including said third annular space.

2. A filling elementaccording to claim 1, in which both of said first and second conduit portions terminate in substantially the same plane at the lower ends thereof.

3. A filling element according to claim 1, which includes a distributor member to which the upper ends of said first and second conduit portions are connected, said distributor member having separate liquid and gas channel means therein leading to said second and third annular spaces respectively, said filling head comprising an axially movable vessel centering member at the lower end and an axially movable intermediate member disposed between said centering member and the said body of said filling element, and sealing means sealing between said body and intermediate member and between said intermediate member and said centering member when a vessel is pressed upwardly against said centering member.

4. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said exhaust passage extends from the upper end of said first annular space substantially horizontally through said distributor member to the outside of said body and also communicates with said gas passage on the downstream side of the valve controlling the said passage.

5. A filling element according to claim 4, in which said exhaust passage comprises a first portion leading from said first annular space to said third annular space and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and leading from said third annular space to said exhaust valve.

6. A filling element according to claim 5, in which said exhaust valve is normally closed, electromagnetic means operable for opening said exhaust valve briefly during the supply of liquid of vessel being filled, and a restricted passage leading up from the upstream side of said exhaust valve to exhaust.

7. A filling element accofiifigto claim 3, which includes a pipe connected'to and extending upwardly from said distributor member and at the lower end communicating with said gas channel means in the distributor member, said pipe extending upwardly to a level substantially above the liquid level in said chamber means, said liquid valve comprising a first valve seat in said body immediately above said distributor member and a tubular first valve member in the body engageable with said first seat from above, said liquid passage leading from said chamber means to the region directly above said first seat, said gas valve comprising a second seat on the upper end of said first valve member and a second valve member engageable with said second seat from above, said gas passage leading from said chamber means to the region directly above said second seat.

8. A filling element according to claim 7, in which there is radial clearance between said pipe and the inside of said first valve member for the flow of gas axially in said pipe.

9. A filling element according to claim 8, in which said radi al clearance is reduced in the region of the upper end of said first valve member to form a restriction.

' 10. A filling element according to claim 7, in which said first and second conduit portions and said pipe and said distributor member are formed as a unit.

11. A filling element according to claim 7, which includes means biasing said first valve member in the upward direction toward open position, abutment means limiting the stroke of said first valve member in opening direction, and actuating means for moving said second valve member between upper and lower positions for opening and closing said gas valve, said second valve member when moved downwardly to its lower closed position by said actuating means also moving said first valve member downwardly to closed position.

12. A filling element according to claim 11 in which said second valve member in the upper position thereof will engage said second seat when said first valve member is moved upwardly to its open position.

13. A filling element according to claim 11, in which said abutment means comprises an abutment in said body engaged by said first valve member in open position thereof.

14. A filling element according to claim 11, which includes a piston connected to said second valve member, a cylinder in which said piston is reciprocable, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to the opposite ends of said cylinder for moving said second valve member in opening and closing directions.

15. A filling element according to claim 14, which includes electromagnetically operable valve means controlling the supply of fluid to said cylinder.

16. A filling member according to claim 7, which includes a ringlike member having said first valve seat formed therein, said ringlike member telescopically engaging the lower end of said body, said head comprising a tubular member in which said distributor member is mounted, said tubular member being secured to the lower end of said body and clamping said ringlike member in place in said body.

17. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element includes electrically operable sensing means on the lower end sensitive to the liquid level in the vessel being filled, and control means operated by said sensing means for controlling said liquid and gas valves.

18. A filling element according to claim 17, in which said electrically operable sensing means includes a switch and a float operable for actuating said switch.

19. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element extends axially completely through said body, and adjusting means connected to the upper end of said rodlike element for axial adjustment thereof insaid body.

20. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element is tubular, and a pressure operable switch on the upper end of said rodlike element closing the upper end thereof and confining a column of gas in said rodlike element which will cause actuation of said switch when liquid closes the lower end of said rodlike element and rises therein.

21. A filling element according to claim 20, which includes means for adjusting said rodlike element axially in said body.

22. A filling element according to claim 20, in which said pressure operable switch comprises a housing and a diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber communicating with the inside of said rodlike element and a second chamber communicating with said gas channel downstream of the gas valve, said switch being actuated upon a condition of pressure in said first chamber exceeding the pressure in said second chamber. a

23. A filling element according to claim 19, in which said adjusting means comprises a nut threaded on said second valve member and connected to said rodlike element.

24. A filling element according to claim 23, which includes a pinion connected to said nut, and drive means engaging said pinion and adapted to engage other like pinions of other filling elements whereby the said rodlike elements in a plurality of filling elements can be adjusted simultaneously and equally.

25. A filling element according to claim 24, in which said pinion is in the form of an inverted cup and encloses said nut, and means slidably keying the inside of said cup to the outside of said nut.

26. A filling element according to claim 24, which includes an actuating'motor connected to said drive means.

27. A filling element according to claim 3, which includes a proximity switch operated by movement of said intermediate member upwardly into sealing engagement with said body and operable for controlling the actuation of said gas valve.

28. A filling element according to claim 3, which includes a proximity switch operated to movement of said first valve member upwardly to open position and operable to cause movement of said rodlike element into proper position to sense the liquid level in the vessel being filled.

29. A filling element according to claim 28, in which said proximity switch is also operable to cause opening of said exhaust valve.

30. A filling element according to claim 1, which includes an electrical control system, circuit cord means forming a part of said system, said gas and exhaust valves being electrically operated and under the control of said control system, and proximity switches forming a part of said system and sensitive to the pressing of a vessel against said filling head and to the opening of said liquid valve. 

1. In a filling element for a counterpressure filling machine: a body, chamber means associated with said body and containing gas under pressure and liquid, a filling head on the lower end of said body adapted for sealing engagement with the filling opening of a vessel to be filled, separate gas and liquid channels in said body leading from said chamber means through said head for the supply of gas and liquid respectively to said vessel, liquid and gas valves in the body controlling said passages, and control means sensitive to the liquid level in said vessel for controlling the operation of said liquid and gas valves, said control means comprising a rodlike element extending axially through said body and having a lower end adapted to be introduced into said vessel when the vessel sealingly engages said filling head, a first conduit portion surrounding said rodlike element and forming therewith a first annular space which is closed at the top and open at the bottom, a second conduit portion surrounding said first conduit portion in spaced relation thereto and forming a second annular space therewith, said first and second conduit portions having ends adapted to be inserted into said opening in said vessel, an exhaust passage leading from said first annular space above the level of the said opening in said vessel to a region of low pressure, an exhaust valve controlling said exhaust passage, said liquid passage including said second annular space, said second conduit portion defining a third annular space with said filling head and said gas passage including said third annular space.
 2. A filling element according to claim 1, in which both of said first and second conduit portions terminate in substantially the same plane at the lower ends thereof.
 3. A filling element according to claim 1, which includes a distributor member to which the upper ends of said first and second conduit portions are connected, said distributor member having separate liquid and gas channel means therein leading to said second and third annular spaces respectively, said filling head comprising an axially movable vessel centering member at the lower end and an axially movable intermediate member disposed between said centering member and the said body of said filling element, and sealing means sealing between said body and intermediate member and between said intermediate member and said centering member when a vessel is pressed upwardly against said centering member.
 4. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said exhaust passage extends from the upper end of said first annular space substantially horizontally through said distributor member to the outside of said body and also communicates with said gas passage on the downstream side of the valve controlling the said passage.
 5. A filling element according to claim 4, in which said exhaust passage comprises a first portion leading from said first annular space to said third annular space and a second portion coaxial with said first portion and leading from said third annular space to said exhaust valve.
 6. A filling element according to claim 5, in which said exhaust valve is normally closed, electromagnetic means operable for opening said exhaust valve briefly during the supply of liquid of vessel being filled, and a restricted passage leading up from the upstream side of said exhaust valve to exhaust.
 7. A filling element according to claim 3, which includes a pipe connected to and extending upwardly from said distributor member and at the lower end communicating with said gas channel means in the distributor member, said pipe extending upwardly to a level substantially above the liquid level in said chamber means, said liquid valve comprising a first valve seat in said body immediately above said distributor member and a tubular first valve member in the body engageable with saiD first seat from above, said liquid passage leading from said chamber means to the region directly above said first seat, said gas valve comprising a second seat on the upper end of said first valve member and a second valve member engageable with said second seat from above, said gas passage leading from said chamber means to the region directly above said second seat.
 8. A filling element according to claim 7, in which there is radial clearance between said pipe and the inside of said first valve member for the flow of gas axially in said pipe.
 9. A filling element according to claim 8, in which said radial clearance is reduced in the region of the upper end of said first valve member to form a restriction.
 10. A filling element according to claim 7, in which said first and second conduit portions and said pipe and said distributor member are formed as a unit.
 11. A filling element according to claim 7, which includes means biasing said first valve member in the upward direction toward open position, abutment means limiting the stroke of said first valve member in opening direction, and actuating means for moving said second valve member between upper and lower positions for opening and closing said gas valve, said second valve member when moved downwardly to its lower closed position by said actuating means also moving said first valve member downwardly to closed position.
 12. A filling element according to claim 11 in which said second valve member in the upper position thereof will engage said second seat when said first valve member is moved upwardly to its open position.
 13. A filling element according to claim 11, in which said abutment means comprises an abutment in said body engaged by said first valve member in open position thereof.
 14. A filling element according to claim 11, which includes a piston connected to said second valve member, a cylinder in which said piston is reciprocable, and means for supplying fluid under pressure to the opposite ends of said cylinder for moving said second valve member in opening and closing directions.
 15. A filling element according to claim 14, which includes electromagnetically operable valve means controlling the supply of fluid to said cylinder.
 16. A filling member according to claim 7, which includes a ringlike member having said first valve seat formed therein, said ringlike member telescopically engaging the lower end of said body, said head comprising a tubular member in which said distributor member is mounted, said tubular member being secured to the lower end of said body and clamping said ringlike member in place in said body.
 17. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element includes electrically operable sensing means on the lower end sensitive to the liquid level in the vessel being filled, and control means operated by said sensing means for controlling said liquid and gas valves.
 18. A filling element according to claim 17, in which said electrically operable sensing means includes a switch and a float operable for actuating said switch.
 19. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element extends axially completely through said body, and adjusting means connected to the upper end of said rodlike element for axial adjustment thereof in said body.
 20. A filling element according to claim 1, in which said rodlike element is tubular, and a pressure operable switch on the upper end of said rodlike element closing the upper end thereof and confining a column of gas in said rodlike element which will cause actuation of said switch when liquid closes the lower end of said rodlike element and rises therein.
 21. A filling element according to claim 20, which includes means for adjusting said rodlike element axially in said body.
 22. A filling element according to claim 20, in which said pressure operable switch comprises a housing and a diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber communicating with the inside of said rodLike element and a second chamber communicating with said gas channel downstream of the gas valve, said switch being actuated upon a condition of pressure in said first chamber exceeding the pressure in said second chamber.
 23. A filling element according to claim 19, in which said adjusting means comprises a nut threaded on said second valve member and connected to said rodlike element.
 24. A filling element according to claim 23, which includes a pinion connected to said nut, and drive means engaging said pinion and adapted to engage other like pinions of other filling elements whereby the said rodlike elements in a plurality of filling elements can be adjusted simultaneously and equally.
 25. A filling element according to claim 24, in which said pinion is in the form of an inverted cup and encloses said nut, and means slidably keying the inside of said cup to the outside of said nut.
 26. A filling element according to claim 24, which includes an actuating motor connected to said drive means.
 27. A filling element according to claim 3, which includes a proximity switch operated by movement of said intermediate member upwardly into sealing engagement with said body and operable for controlling the actuation of said gas valve.
 28. A filling element according to claim 3, which includes a proximity switch operated to movement of said first valve member upwardly to open position and operable to cause movement of said rodlike element into proper position to sense the liquid level in the vessel being filled.
 29. A filling element according to claim 28, in which said proximity switch is also operable to cause opening of said exhaust valve.
 30. A filling element according to claim 1, which includes an electrical control system, circuit cord means forming a part of said system, said gas and exhaust valves being electrically operated and under the control of said control system, and proximity switches forming a part of said system and sensitive to the pressing of a vessel against said filling head and to the opening of said liquid valve. 